Nissan Leaf vs Renault Zoe: Interior and Tech
Both the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe feature a dark colour scheme with grey and black tones, complemented by silver-coloured trim and a touch of blue on the Leaf’s gear selector. Thanks to their large windows, both vehicles feel spacious and light when seated inside.
Each car comes equipped with a central touchscreen display controlling the infotainment system. The Zoe boasts a larger portrait (vertical) screen, while the Leaf has a smaller landscape (horizontal) screen. Both models have separate controls for heating and ventilation—buttons in the Leaf and dials in the Zoe. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, air conditioning, and cruise control.
The Leaf edges out the Zoe with its more comfortable seats and a more premium interior feel. The materials and design details in the Leaf exude higher quality, which might be a deciding factor for those prioritising comfort and aesthetics.
Renault Zoe left; Nissan Leaf right
Nissan Leaf vs Renault Zoe: Which has the bigger boot?
When it comes to size, the Renault Zoe is comparable to a Ford Fiesta while the Nissan Leaf is closer in size to a Ford Focus. Despite the size difference, both cars offer ample passenger space, making them suitable as family cars.
The Leaf’s larger size gives it a significant advantage in boot space, offering 435 litres—more than most mid-size hatchbacks. This makes it easier to fit pushchairs, large shopping bags, and holiday luggage. The Zoe, although smaller, still provides a decent boot capacity of 338 litres, which is quite generous for its class. However, fitting a pushchair might be tight, and packing for family trips would require lighter luggage.
Renault Zoe left; Nissan Leaf right
Nissan Leaf vs Renault Zoe: Which is the Best to Drive?
Both the Leaf and Zoe come with automatic gearboxes and light steering, making them agile and providing excellent visibility from the driver’s seat. They also feature a ‘one-pedal’ driving mode that enhances regenerative braking, reducing the need to frequently use the brake pedal.
The Nissan Leaf has more power, particularly the e+ model, which accelerates quickly and maintains motorway speeds with ease. The Zoe, while not as powerful, still performs well on motorways, especially the R135 model. The larger Leaf feels more stable and composed at higher speeds, contributing to a more relaxing driving experience.
Renault Zoe left; Nissan Leaf right
Nissan Leaf vs Renault Zoe: Which has the best range and fastest charging time?
The Nissan Leaf is available with two battery capacities. The 40kWh battery offers a range of up to 163 miles, while the 62kWh battery in the e+ model can reach up to 239 miles. A full recharge from a 7kW home charger takes around seven hours, and an 80% top-up from a public 50kW rapid charger takes about an hour.
The Renault Zoe features a 52kWh battery, providing a range of up to 238 miles for the R110 model and 245 miles for the R135 model. Charging from a 7kW home charger takes over nine hours, while a 22kW public charger can fully recharge in three hours. Some models are compatible with 50kW rapid chargers, allowing for an 80% recharge in 70 minutes.
While the Leaf’s range figures are on the lower end for its class, the Zoe can travel further on a full charge than any other small electric hatchback. Charging costs will depend on your electricity tariff and frequency of using public chargers but should generally be cheaper than fuelling a petrol or diesel car.
Renault Zoe left; Nissan Leaf right
Nissan Leaf vs Renault Zoe: Safety and Reliability
The Nissan Leaf excels in safety, featuring seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning. This safety suite earned the Leaf a five-star rating from Euro NCAP.
In contrast, the entry-level Zoe Play models come with only four airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Higher trims add features like lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. However, the Zoe received a zero-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2022 due to its lack of updated safety tech.
Dimensions
Nissan Leaf
- Length: 4,480mm
- Width: 2,030mm (including door mirrors)
- Height: 1,540mm
- Boot space: 435 litres
Renault Zoe
- Length: 4,087mm
- Width: 1,945mm (including door mirrors)
- Height: 1,562mm
- Boot space: 338 litres
Verdict
Both the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf are great options for those seeking an affordable, practical electric vehicle. The Zoe offers impressive range and value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Nissan Leaf comes out on top with its more spacious interior, better equipment, and superior safety rating. These features make it a more compelling choice, especially for families. If range is a concern, consider the Leaf e+ models, which offer a longer range and make daily living with an electric vehicle more convenient.
For more information on buying electric cars, check out our Electric Car Buying Guide and learn about Electric Car Range.
Ready to make your choice? Visit MOTORS to find the best deals on the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe.
Don’t forget to explore our other guides and articles to help you make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase:
Best Small Electric Cars
Best Affordable Electric Cars
A Guide to Electric Car Range
